The Yin Yankee Cafe in Annapolis for Asian Fusion Cuisine: Review

When I saw the Yin Yankee Café on the way to work one day, I wasn't sure what to think about it. I thought it might have been some weird kind of hybrid of American and Chinese food. Although I was apprehensive, I decided to give it a try. Boy, was I impressed with my discovery.

Obviously I wasn't the first person to discover this restaurant, because it has many positive reviews, not only in Annapolis publications but in DC and Baltimore focused ones as well. Many are displayed on the wall as you enter the dining room. The rest of the décor, I would describe as kitschy, with a penchant for bright red and orange, kind of like the living room at your eccentric but cool aunt's house. The food is dubbed as fusion, which to me could mean pretty much anything.

My companion and I were greeted at the door immediately and told casually to sit wherever we liked. We chose a table near the front of the restaurant with a view of the comings and goings in the kitchen, the best place to spot any shenanigans, plus it was well lit and had a good view of the Navy men walking by outside. (Annapolis does have lovely scenery!) We admired the metal chopsticks on the table, much nicer than the usual wood variety in the disposable paper pouch. We concluded that this place had a bit of class as we folded our napkins onto our laps.

For an appetizer, we chose the shrimp beignets with habenero sauce, while also asking for a less spicy sauce. Our waiter was very accommodating, first attempting to give us a bottle of Heinz ketchup, then countering with the much more inviting red pepper aioli sauce. We both agreed that the appetizer was wonderful; it was fresh and tasty, and that we would order it again next time.

To drink we ordered the green tea. We were surprised when the waiter arrived at our table with two pots. This effectively eliminated the need to ask for refills, but it did clutter our table some. The tea was excellent, as if someone was behind the restaurant chopping the leaves from the plants at that very moment.

We had trouble deciding what to have for our meal, since everything looked so good. Finally we chose to get three maki rolls to share. Our favorite was the coconut shrimp with mango and avocado. An odd combination to be sure, but it had the awesome combination of salty, sweet and crunch. Plus there was the added touch of "creamy wasabi" that could be spread on top. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. We also had shitake mushroom roll and squash roll, and we'll be back to try the Udon noodles.

After all this sushi, we were way too full to try dessert, but we did give a glance to the menu. It seems very heavy on fruit, especially banana. I myself would choose the Chocolate Terrine, if someone thoughtlessly forced me to order this concoction of chocolate ganache, mousse and strawberries.

To finish off our meal, which was about $45 for two people (Hey, dining in Annapolis isn't cheap!) we were given Atomic Fireballs instead of mints. I thought this was a nice touch to our flavorful and eclectic meal. However, if you're not into spice you might want to pack some gum in your wallet.

I'm sure my companion would want me to add that there is a cool mural of a dragon in the bathroom, and a tribute to Ron Jeremy, a past patron. It's the only one in Annapolis as far as I know. Not sure what this will do to your interest in the restaurant, but I'll finish by saying, it has great service and some darn good food.

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations don't seem to be necessary, but call ahead if you're worried. You never know in Annapolis.